This ooey gooey Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Lava Cake recipe only requires 3 ingredients and is made in the pressure cooker in no time. An easy quick dessert.
Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Lava Cake
If you’re looking for an impressive dessert that couldn’t be easier to make, this Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Lava Cake is exactly what you need. Made with just three ingredients and cooked right in the pressure cooker, this recipe delivers a rich molten center that oozes out with every spoonful.
The combination of eggs, flour, and dulce de leche creates a silky batter that transforms into an elegant dessert worthy of any special occasion. The best part? No complicated techniques, water baths, or fancy equipment required.
I’ve loved dulce de leche for as long as I can remember. Whether spread on toast, spooned over ice cream, or used as a filling for cakes and pastries, it’s one of those ingredients that instantly makes everything better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- No mixer required
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Rich molten dulce de leche center
- Instant Pot and oven instructions included
As I became more adventurous in the kitchen, I started using dulce de leche in all kinds of desserts. It adds incredible flavor and creates a silky texture that’s hard to resist. You can check out more of my favorite dulce de leche recipes here.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the batter can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook it. It’s perfect for entertaining because you can prepare everything in advance and simply cook the cakes when guests arrive.
If you don’t own an Instant Pot, don’t worry. These lava cakes can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for about 12 to 14 minutes.
Tips For Success
- Do not overcook the cakes or you’ll lose the molten center.
- Grease the ramekins well to ensure easy release.
- Serve immediately after unmolding.
- Use good-quality dulce de leche for the best flavor.
- For smaller ramekins, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Lava cakes are always a crowd favorite because everyone loves cutting into them and watching the creamy center flow onto the plate. It’s part dessert and part entertainment.
I used store-bought dulce de leche for convenience, but homemade works beautifully as well. If you’d like to make your own, my friend Ana from Cleverly Me has an excellent homemade version here.
For this recipe, you’ll need 10-ounce ramekins or custard cups. Porcelain, glass, or metal all work as long as they are oven-safe and fit inside your pressure cooker.
I hope you can try these delicious Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Lava Cakes at home. If you do, please upload a picture on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet.
Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Lava Cake
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons all purpose flour
- 13.4 oz Dulce de Leche (1 2/3 cups)
Instructions
- Spray 3 - 10 oz custard cups or ramekins with nonstick spray
- Beat the eggs until thick and fluffy on a mixer. About 2 minutes
- Add the dulce de leche and beat until combined. Finally, add the flour and mix.
- Pour this mixture into the greased custard cups
- Pour 1 cup of water in the instant pot. Place trivet on top
- Cook on high pressure for 11 minutes (manual) for the 10 oz or 9 minutes for the 6 oz.
- After the machine beeps do a quick release (open the valve to let out all the pressure)
- Remove cakes from the instant pot
- Invert each cake onto plates
- Serve immediately
Notes
- Batter can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.
- For smaller 6-ounce ramekins, reduce the cooking time to 9 minutes.
- Oven method: Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes.
- Serve immediately for the best molten center.
- Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or powdered sugar.
- Use a good-quality dulce de leche for the richest flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Dulce de Leche Lava Cake ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins until ready to cook. Add a minute or two if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
Can I bake these lava cakes in the oven instead?
Absolutely. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set, and the center remains soft.
What size ramekins should I use?
This recipe was developed using 10-ounce ramekins or custard cups. Smaller ramekins will require less cooking time.
How do I know when the lava cakes are done?
The edges should be set while the center remains soft and molten. Serve immediately for the best lava effect.
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Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Instant Pot Key Lime Pie
Instant Pot Passion Fruit Pie
You make great things ! Thank you so much !
You’re very welcome! Glad you liked it!
This is fantastic! Not only tasty but so quick and easy to make.
Very Nice Article…
Thank you CakenGifts!
This was so sweet and the sweetness took away any delight in eating it. For me, I will not make it again and each cake had more than 400 calories. I did not care for it . . . . .
Thanks for your feedback Paul. Duly noted.